Welcome to Garfield Middle School

Dear Parents and Guardians,

I write today to inform you of a deeply concerning trend that has recently emerged on social media, and to ask for your support in addressing it directly with your child.

The trend involves inserting small metal objects, such as paper clips, into the charging ports of school issued laptops. This reckless behavior causes electrical short circuits and poses serious risks, including fires, battery damage, and potential injury. It also destroys the device entirely.

 Let me be clear: any student who engages in this type of behavior will be held fully responsible for the replacement cost of the device, which is $600. More importantly, students will face disciplinary consequences in line with our Handbook. These actions constitute vandalism and will be treated with the seriousness they deserve. 

We ask you speak with your child about the seriousness of this issue and remind them that school-issued devices are valuable learning tools, not toys. The safety of our students and the integrity of our educational resources must remain a top priority.

Thank you for your attention to this matter and for your continued partnership in keeping our school community safe and focused on learning.

Sincerely,

Richard "Riggs" Rigoglioso

Garfield Middle School Principal

 
Dear Parents and Guardians,

As we enter the final marking period, we are seeing an increasing number of students arriving late to school. This is unacceptable and must be addressed immediately.

The school day begins promptly at 8:45 AM. All students are expected to be in their classrooms, seated, and ready to learn by that time. Doors open for breakfast at 8:10 AM, and the remaining students are let in school at 8:30 AM, providing more than enough time for students to enter and prepare for the day. Unfortunately, it has become apparent that many students are showing a lack of concern for their tardiness, treating it as unimportant or routine. Even more concerning is that some parents have expressed resistance to the district’s tardiness policy, despite its clear purpose: to instill responsibility, respect for instructional time, and a strong work ethic.

As per our policy, if a student accumulates more than four tardies in a marking period, they will receive a failing grade for that period, even if they are otherwise passing academically. Continued lateness can lead to inside/outside suspension and placement on the excluded list, which in turn disqualifies students from participating in school events, activities, and sports. This policy is strictly enforced and applies to all students.

We expect all families to take this matter seriously. Ensuring your child arrives on time is your responsibility. Continued lateness disrupts not only your child’s education but also the learning environment of others. If you have questions or need assistance, please contact the main office.

We thank you for your immediate attention and cooperation on this important matter.

 


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HSA

GMS RTI TEAM

Rich Rigoglioso- Principal
Amy Sabani- Vice Principal
Chris Caiazzo- Vice Principal
Anna D'Agostino- Language Arts Curriculum Supervisor 
Liz Mierzewjewski- Math Curriculum Supervisor 
Lisa Porco- Guidance 
Jessica Piskuloski- Chair
Christian Cipollone- Co-Chair 
Frannie Schoch- Language Arts
Kelly Notar- Language Arts
Jon Piela- Math Teacher
Mark Pieklo- Math Teacher

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GMS Principal

Richard "Riggs" Rigoglioso
[email protected]
973.272.7020

GMS Vice Principals

Amy Sabani
[email protected]
973.272.7020


Christopher Caiazzo
[email protected]
973.272.7020


GMS Dean of students

Todd Williams
[email protected]
973.272.7020

GMS Anti-Bullying Specialists

Lilly Ryden
[email protected]
973.272.7020


District Anti-bullying Coordinator

District Anti-Bullying Coordinator
Jessica Ribaudo-Piskuloski
500 Palisade Ave
Garfield, NJ 07026
973.340.5000 ext. 2150

State School Safety Coordinator

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